Display unit, method of manufacturing display unit, and electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

A display unit includes a display panel including a display region and a terminal region on a first substrate, the display region including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels including a light emitting element, and the terminal region including a plurality of terminals at a part of a peripheral region of the display region. The light emitting element includes a first electrode, an organic layer, and a second electrode that is provided commonly to the plurality of pixels, in order from the first substrate side. The second electrode extends, continuously in a plan view, to an end of the first substrate in a region on the first substrate except for the terminal region, and is configured to be electrically disconnected from an exterior member of the display panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority PatentApplication JP 2014-244946 filed Dec. 3, 2014, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a display unit including a lightemitting element such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) element, toa method of manufacturing such a display unit, and to an electronicapparatus including such a display unit.

In a display unit using a light emitting element such as an organic ELelement, typically, an interlayer insulating film (an organic insulatingfilm) is so provided as to cover a thin film transistor (TFT). Theorganic insulating film allows water to easily pass therethrough.Therefore, moisture infiltrates through the organic insulating film fromoutside, which causes deterioration of an organic layer of the organicEL element. This results in deterioration of light emission luminance orlight emission defect such as occurrence of dark spots, which may causedegradation of reliability with time.

Therefore, an organic EL display unit having a structure in which aseparation groove is provided on the organic insulating film asdescribed above to separate the organic insulating film into a displayregion and an outer region, or a structure in which an end of theorganic insulating film is selectively removed to separate the organicinsulating film into the display region and the outer region, in aperipheral region (a bezel region) of the display region, has beenproposed (For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. 2004-281380, 2006-54111, 2008-283222, 2012-150901). Bythese methods, diffusion of moisture from outside to the display regionthrough the organic insulating film is suppressed.

SUMMARY

However, in the element structure described in the above-describedpatent literatures, a second electrode (a cathode electrode) of theorganic EL element is formed of a metal easily deteriorated by moisture,such as magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na), or an alloyincluding such a metal. Therefore, the second electrode is provided in apredetermined region in order not to be deteriorated by moisturediffused through the organic insulating film or external environment ofthe display unit. For example, the second electrode may be providedinside the above-described separation groove of the organic insulatingfilm or inside a region selectively removed, in order not to be exposedto the panel end surface. Specifically, the second electrode is formedwith use of a so-called area mask.

When the area mask is used, a margin (a film formation margin) issecured in consideration of misalignment of the area mask (maskmisalignment), leakage of a material, processing accuracy of a taperregion or the mask, etc. Therefore, a peripheral region is increased,and it is thus difficult to achieve reduction in size of the bezel,reduction in size of the display panel, or reduction in cost of thedisplay panel.

Accordingly, the second electrode is desirably formed without using thearea mask as described above, to achieve an element structure that isadapted to suppress degradation of yield while achieving narrow bezel.

It is desirable to provide a display unit that is adapted to suppressdegradation of yield while achieving narrow bezel, a method ofmanufacturing the display unit, and an electronic apparatus includingthe display unit.

According to an embodiment of the technology, there is provided adisplay unit including a display panel including a display region and aterminal region on a first substrate, the display region including aplurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels including a lightemitting element, and the terminal region including a plurality ofterminals at a part of a peripheral region of the display region. Thelight emitting element includes a first electrode, an organic layer, anda second electrode that is provided commonly to the plurality of pixels,in order from the first substrate side. The second electrode extends,continuously in a plan view, to an end of the first substrate in aregion on the first substrate except for the terminal region, and isconfigured to be electrically disconnected from an exterior member ofthe display panel.

According to an embodiment of the technology, there is provided anelectronic apparatus provided with a display unit. The display unitincludes a display panel including a display region and a terminalregion on a first substrate, the display region including a plurality ofpixels, each of the plurality of pixels including a light emittingelement, and the terminal region being provided at a part of aperipheral region of the display region and including a plurality ofterminals. The light emitting element includes a first electrode, anorganic layer, and a second electrode in order from the first substrateside, the second electrode being provided commonly to the plurality ofpixels. The second electrode extends, continuously in a plan view, to anend of the first substrate in a region on the first substrate except forthe terminal region, and is configured to be electrically disconnectedfrom an exterior member of the display panel.

In the display unit and the electronic apparatus according to therespective embodiments of the disclosure, the second electrode extends,continuously in a plan view, to the end of the first substrate in theregion of the first substrate except for the terminal region.Specifically, in the manufacturing process, for example, the secondelectrode may be formed without using a film formation mask or with useof a mask that has an opening and selectively shields only the terminalregion. Therefore, in the peripheral region except for the terminalregion, it is unnecessary to secure the film formation margin inconsideration of misalignment of the mask opening position in theformation of the second electrode. On the other hand, it is concernedthat electrical short circuit between the second electrode extended tothe end of the first substrate and the exterior member of the displaypanel occurs. However, since the second electrode is so configured as tobe electrically disconnected from the exterior member of the displaypanel, such short circuit is difficult to occur after the display panelis mounted on the exterior member. Therefore, it is unnecessary tosecure the film formation margin in the peripheral region on the firstsubstrate in the formation of the second electrode, and therefore, theperipheral region is decreased in size as compared with a case where thesecond electrode is formed in a selective region with use of a mask.

According to an embodiment of the technology, there is provided a methodof manufacturing a display unit. The method includes: forming a displaypanel including a display region and a terminal region, the displayregion including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixelsincluding a light emitting element, and the terminal region including aplurality of terminals at a part of a peripheral region of the displayregion; and forming, as the light emitting element, a first electrode,an organic layer, and a second electrode on the first substrate, thesecond electrode being common to the plurality of pixels. The secondelectrode is formed to extend, continuously in a plan view, to an end ofthe first substrate in a region on the first substrate except for theterminal region, and is formed to be electrically disconnected from anexterior member of the display panel.

In the method of manufacturing the display unit according to theembodiment of the disclosure, the second electrode is formed to extend,continuously in a plan view, to the end of the first substrate in theregion of the first substrate except for the terminal region. In otherwords, for example, the second electrode is formed without using a filmformation mask or with use of a mask that has an opening and selectivelyshields only the terminal region. Therefore, in the peripheral regionexcept for the terminal region, it is unnecessary to secure the filmformation margin in consideration of misalignment of the mask openingposition and the like in the formation of the second electrode. On theother hand, it is concerned that electrical short circuit between thesecond electrode extended to the end of the first substrate and theexterior member of the display panel occurs. However, since the secondelectrode is so configured as to be electrically disconnected from theexterior member of the display panel, such short circuit is difficult tooccur after the display panel is mounted on the exterior member.Accordingly, it is unnecessary to secure the film formation margin inthe peripheral region on the first substrate in the formation of thesecond electrode, and therefore, the peripheral region is decreased insize as compared with the case where the second electrode is formed in aselective region with use of a mask.

In the display unit, the method of manufacturing the display unit, andthe electronic apparatus according to the respective embodiments of thedisclosure, the second electrode extends, continuously in a plan view,to the end of the first substrate in the region on the first substrateexcept for the terminal region. In other words, in the peripheral regionexcept for the terminal region, the second electrode is formed withoutusing a mask, and thus it is unnecessary to secure the predeterminedfilm formation margin. Therefore, it is possible to reduce theperipheral region of the first substrate in size. Such a secondelectrode is exposed to the end surface of the display panel, but thesecond electrode is so configured as to be electrically disconnectedfrom the exterior member. Therefore, it is possible to suppressoccurrence of electrical short circuit, and to suppress degradation ofyield after the display panel is mounted on the exterior member. As aresult, it becomes possible to suppress degradation of yield whileachieving narrow bezel.

Note that the above-described contents are examples of the disclosure.Effects achieved by the disclosure are not limited to those describedabove, and effects achieved by the disclosure may be effects other thanthose described above or may further include other effects.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended toprovide further explanation of the technology as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitutea part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and,together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of thetechnology.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a display unitaccording to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sectional structure along IA-IA lineillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sectional structure along IB-IB lineillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional diagram illustrating a state where the displayunit illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted on an exterior frame.

FIG. 5A is a plan view illustrating a structure of an area mask used ina step of forming a second electrode of the display unit illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a plan view illustrating a state where the area mask that isused in the step of forming the second electrode of the display unitillustrated in FIG. 1 is disposed on a first substrate.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sectional structure near a terminalpart in the step of forming the second electrode.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a structure of an area mask used in astep of forming a second electrode of a display unit according tocomparative example 1.

FIG. 8 is a sectional diagram illustrating a structure of the displayunit fabricated with use of the area mask illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional diagram illustrating a structure of a display unitaccording to comparative example 2.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a display unitaccording to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a sectional structure along IIA-IIAline illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a sectional diagram illustrating a structure of a displayunit according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13A is a sectional diagram illustrating a structure example of adisplay unit according to a modification.

FIG. 13B is a sectional diagram illustrating a structure example of adisplay unit according to another modification.

FIG. 13C is a sectional diagram illustrating a structure example of adisplay unit according to still another modification.

FIG. 13D is a sectional diagram illustrating a structure example of adisplay unit according to still another modification.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of fabricatingthe display unit illustrated in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of asmartphone.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of thesmartphone.

FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mobile phone.

FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the mobile phone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the disclosure will be described indetail with reference to drawings. Note that description will be givenin the following order.

1. First embodiment (an example of a display unit in which an end of asecond electrode is covered with a protection film)2. Second embodiment (an example of a display unit having aninverse-tapered structure in a lower layer of a second electrode)3. Third embodiment (an example of a display unit in which an outermostend of a second substrate overhangs from an end surface of a secondelectrode)4. Modifications (other examples of shapes of an end surface of asubstrate)5. Application example (an example of electronic apparatus)

First Embodiment [Configuration]

FIG. 1 illustrates a planer configuration of a display unit (a displayunit 1) according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. The displayunit 1 may be, for example, an organic EL display unit, and includes adisplay panel 10 in a display region 1A on a first substrate (a firstsubstrate 11 described later). The display panel 10 may include, forexample, a plurality of pixels (sub-pixels) P that may be arranged inmatrix. Each of the pixels P includes an organic EL element, and mayemit red light (wavelength of about 620 nm to about 750 nm), green light(wavelength of about 495 nm to about 570 nm), blue light (wavelength of450 nm to 495 nm), or white light. One pixel is configured of sub-pixelsof four colors. A signal line drive circuit, a scan line drive circuit,a power line drive circuit, and the like that are used to drive thepixels P are provided in a peripheral region (a bezel region 1B) of thedisplay region 1A. A terminal part 1C (a terminal region) including aplurality of terminals (terminals 22) for external connection isprovided at a part of the bezel region 1B.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional structure along IA-IA line of the displayunit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional structurealong IB-IB line of the display unit illustrated in FIG. 1. The displayunit 1 is configured by bonding a second substrate (an opposingsubstrate, a sealing substrate) 20 on a first substrate (a elementsubstrate) 11 with the organic EL elements in between, and is a topemission display unit emitting light that has passed through the secondsubstrate 20.

A circuit layer 12 provided with a pixel circuit that includes a thinfilm transistor (TFT) is provided on the first substrate 11 of thedisplay unit 1, and a surface of the circuit layer 12 is covered with aplanarizing film 13 (correlation insulating film). A first electrode(for example, an anode) 14 of the organic EL element is provided on theplanarizing film 13. The first electrode 14 is electrically connected tothe TFT provided in the circuit layer 12. An organic insulating film 15(a pixel separation film), an organic layer 16 including a lightemitting layer, a second electrode 17, and a protection film 18 areprovided in order on the first electrode 14. A seal layer 19A and afiller layer 19B are provided as a sealing layer on the protection film18, and the second substrate 20 is bonded thereto.

A configuration of each section of the display unit 1 is describedbelow.

The first substrate 11 may be configured of, for example, glass,silicon, a resin, or the like.

The circuit layer 12 includes the TFT, and the TFT may be configured of,for example, a bottom-gate metal oxide semiconductor field effecttransistor (MOSFET). The TFT may be configured of crystalline silicon,amorphous silicon, or the like, or may be configured of an oxidesemiconductor.

The planarizing film 13 planarizes the surface of the circuit layer 12to make the film thickness of each layer of the organic EL elementformed thereon uniform. Examples of a material of the planarizing film13 may include an organic insulating film made of a polyimide resin, anacrylic resin, a novolak resin, or the like. Alternatively, as thematerial of the planarizing film 13, for example, an inorganic materialsuch as a silicon oxide (SiO₂), silicon nitride (SiNx), and siliconoxynitride (SiON) may be used.

The first electrode 14 of the organic EL element is electricallyseparated for each pixel, and may have, for example, light reflectionproperty. Examples of a material of the first electrode 14 may include asimple substance of a metal element such as chromium (Cr), gold (Au),platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W),titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), and silver (Ag), and an alloy thereof.

The organic insulating film 15 electrically separates the firstelectrode 14 for each pixel, and secures insulating property between thefirst electrode 14 and the second electrode 17. The organic insulatingfilm 15 has an opening for each pixel P, and forms a light emittingregion of the organic EL element. The organic insulating film 15 may beformed of, for example, an organic insulating material such as aphotosensitive resin. The organic insulating film 15 is so provided onthe display region 1A and the bezel region 1B as to cover the peripheralcircuits, and has a separation groove (a separation groove 15A) in thebezel region 1B. Moreover, the organic insulating film 15 is selectivelyremoved in an outermost peripheral region of the bezel region 1B. Awidth of the separation groove 15A may be, for example, about 10 μm orlarger and about 100 μm or lower, and a distance between an end 15 e ofthe organic insulating film 15 and an end e1 of the first substrate 11(a width of a part where the organic insulating film 15 is removed) maybe, for example, about 100 μm or larger and about 200 μm or lower.

The organic layer 16 includes a light emitting layer (an organicelectroluminescence layer). Here, the organic layer 16 includes a whitelight emitting layer common to the organic EL elements. Incidentally,the organic layer 16 may include, for example, a hole transport layer(HTL), a hole injection layer (HIL), and an electron transport layer(ETL), in addition to the light emitting layer. Moreover, for example,an electron injection layer (EIL) such as LiF may be provided betweenthe organic layer 16 and the second electrode 17. The organic layer 16is so formed as to cover the display region 1A and a part of the bezelregion 1B, but is so formed as not to overlap with the separation groove15A.

The second electrode 17 has a light transmission property, is common tothe organic EL elements (the pixels), and covers the display region 1A.The second electrode 17 may desirably include a transparent conductivefilm made of, for example, ITO, IZO, or ZnO. The second electrode 17 iselectrically connected to a wiring layer on the first electrode 11through the cathode contact part 17C. The second electrode 17 extends,continuously in a plan view, to the end e1 of the first substrate 11 ina region except for the terminal part 1C on the first substrate 11, andis so configured as to be electrically disconnected from an exteriormember (an exterior frame 24) of the display panel 10.

In the first embodiment, the second electrode 17 is substantiallyuniformly formed to cover the entire surface except for the terminalpart 1C. The second electrode 17 covers the separation groove 15A, thecathode contact part 17C, the organic insulating film 15, and the end 15e thereof. Moreover, an end surface protection film 21 (an insulatingfilm) is provided on an end surface of the display panel 10 to cover theend 17 e of the second electrode 17. Here, for example, in a plan view,the terminal part 1C may be provided in a region corresponding to oneside of the rectangular display panel 10 (the first substrate 11), andthe end surface protection film 21 may be provided on ends (endsurfaces) corresponding to three sides except for the one side providedwith the terminal part 1C. Incidentally, as illustrated in FIG. 3, apart (a separation groove 15B) where the organic insulating film 15 andthe planarizing film 13 are selectively removed is provided outside theseparation groove 15A in the region provided with the terminal part 1Con the first substrate 11.

FIG. 4 illustrates a state where the display panel 10 is mounted on theexterior frame 24. In this way, the end surface protection film 21 isprovided to cover an end of an element layer 23 in the structure inwhich the element layer 23 including the above-described organic ELelement is sealed between the first substrate 11 and the secondsubstrate 20. The exterior frame 24 may be formed of, for example, ametal, and is so attached as to cover the end of the display panel 10.The exterior frame 24 is not in contact with the element layer 23including the second electrode 17, by the end surface protection film21.

The cathode contact part 17C is provided in a region of the bezel region1B corresponding to the separation groove 15C. In the selective regionon the cathode contact part 17C, the planarizing film 13 is removed. Awidth of the cathode contact part 17C is set based on a cathode currentamount corresponding to the size of the display unit 1 and a contactresistance of the contact electrode.

The protection film 18 is so provided on the second electrode 17 as tocover the entire surface of the display region 1A and the bezel region1B (except for the terminal part 1C). The protection film 18 may beformed of, for example, an inorganic material such as silicon oxide(SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), a silicon oxynitride (SiNxOy), titaniumoxide (TiOx), and aluminum oxide (AlxOy).

Here, since the separation groove 15A and the end 15 e of the organicinsulating film 15 are covered with the second electrode 17 and theprotection film 18, it is possible to suppress moisture infiltrationfrom the outside of the display panel 10 and to prevent infiltration ofmoisture to the organic layer 16, as compared with a case where theseparation groove 15A and the end 15 e of the organic insulating film 15are covered with only the protection film 18. Therefore, it is possibleto improve reliability while suppressing degradation of the organic ELelement.

The seal layer 19A is provided in the bezel region 1B on the firstsubstrate 11, and may be formed of, for example, an epoxy resin or anacrylic resin. The filler layer 19B is provided in a region surroundedby the seal layer 19A, and functions as an adhesive layer. The fillerlayer 19B may be formed of, for example, an epoxy resin or an acrylicresin.

The second substrate 20 may be formed of, for example, glass, and acolor filter and a light shielding layer (both not illustrated) may beprovided in the display region 1A of the second substrate 20. The lightshielding layer is provided also in the bezel region 1B.

The end surface protection film 21 is configured of an inorganicinsulating film, an organic insulating film, or a stacked layer filmthereof. Examples of the inorganic insulating film may include a siliconoxide, a silicon nitride, a silicon oxynitride, a titanium oxide, and analuminum oxide. Examples of the organic insulating film may include anepoxy resin and acrylic resin.

[Manufacturing Method]

The above-described display unit 1 may be manufactured in the followingmanner, for example. First, after the circuit layer 12 and theplanarizing film 13 are formed on the first substrate 11, the firstelectrode 14, the organic insulating film 15, the organic layer 16, andthe second electrode 17 are formed in order on the planarizing film 13.

Here, to form the second electrode 17, a film may be formed by, forexample, a sputtering method with use of a mask 110 (a film formationmask, an area mask) having openings 110 a, for example, as illustratedin FIG. 5A. The mask 110 is a so-called multiple-production mask thatallows film formation over a region including the plurality of displayregions 110 at a time. In the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.5B, the openings 110 a of the mask 110 are disposed over the entireregion of the first substrate 11 except for the terminal part 1C. Inother words, as also illustrated in FIG. 6, the second electrode 17 isformed while only the terminal part 1C is selectively masked. Therefore,in the region on the first substrate 11 corresponding to the terminalpart 1C, a film formation margin M1 may be preferably secured inconsideration of misalignment of the position of the mask 110. Forexample, when a space for formation of peripheral circuits and the likeis secured in the terminal part 1C, the film formation margin M1 may bepreferably secured in the terminal part 1C. In addition, when theplurality of (three in this case) display regions 1A are disposed alongone direction on the first substrate 11, one opening 110 a is disposedwith respect to the plurality of display regions 1A. Specifically, theplurality of display regions 1A are disposed so that the regions of therespective bezel regions 1B except for the respective terminal parts 1Care adjacent to one another, and the mask 110 that has the opening 110 alarger than an opening 103 a of a mask 103 in a comparative example 1illustrated in FIG. 7 is used.

By film formation with use of such a mask 110, the second electrode 17is formed to uniformly extend to the end e1 of the first substrate 11(is formed to be exposed to the end e1 of the first substrate 11) in theregion except for the terminal part 1C. In addition, when the secondelectrode is formed with use of the mask 103 according to thecomparative example, the opening 103 a is disposed for each displayregion. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a film formation marginM101 may be desirably secured in a region between the separation groove15A and the end 15 e in the bezel region 101B even in the region otherthan the terminal part. Accordingly, it is difficult to reduce the sizeof the bezel region 101B. In contrast, in the first embodiment, it isunnecessary to use the mask 103 as in the comparative example 1, and itis possible to form the second electrode 17 without considering the filmformation margin by the mask in the region except for the terminal part1C. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve reduction in size of thebezel region 1B. Moreover, since the terminal part 1C is exposed withoutetching step, it is possible to simplify the process and to enhanceworking easiness and strength of the mask 110.

Here, a transparent conductive film such as ITO may be desirably used asthe second electrode 17. The transparent conductive film is difficult tobe deteriorated by moisture. Therefore, even in the case where thesecond electrode 17 is extended to the end e1 of the first substrate 11,infiltration of moisture to the organic layer 16 is suppressed toimprove reliability. This is advantageous in reduction of the size ofthe bezel region 1B. If the second electrode 17 is formed of a metalthat is easily deteriorated by moisture, such as magnesium (Mg), calcium(Ca), and sodium (Na), or an alloy thereof, it is concerned thatreliability is deteriorated by moisture infiltration to the organiclayer 16. Therefore, as with the comparative example 1, the secondelectrode 17 may be desirably formed with use of the mask (FIG. 7)having the opening for each display region, and as a result, it isnecessary to secure the film formation margin M101 (FIG. 8). Inaddition, it is necessary to secure the sufficiently large width of thecontact part between the second electrode 17 and the cathode contactpart 17C in consideration of the film formation margin M101. Therefore,it is necessary to secure the wide bezel region 101B, and thus it isdifficult to achieve reduction in size of the bezel, reduction in sizeof the display unit, or reduction in cost of the display unit.

After the formation of the second electrode 17 as described above, theprotection film 18 is formed and the second substrate 20 is bondedthereon with the seal layer 19A and the filler layer 19B in between.After that, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 20 that havebeen bonded to each other are scribed and broken to be divided into theplurality of display panels 10. At this time, in the bezel region 1B ofthe display panel 10 except for the terminal part 1C, division isperformed at the position not overlapping with the end 15 e of theorganic insulating film 15. On the other hand, in the terminal part 1Cof the first substrate 11, the division is performed while the scribingposition of the first substrate 11 and the scribing position of thesecond substrate 20 are shifted from each other so that the terminal 22is exposed. Subsequently, the protection film 18 formed on the terminalpart 1C is removed by etching to expose the terminal part 1C. Finally,the end surface protection film 21 is so formed on the end e1 of thefirst substrate 11 as to cover the end 17 e of the second electrode 17.In this way, the display unit 1 is completed.

[Function and Effects]

In the display unit 1 according to the first embodiment, the secondelectrode 17 extends, continuously in a plan view, to the end e1 of thefirst substrate 11 in the region on the first substrate 11 except forthe terminal part 1C. Specifically, in the manufacturing process, thesecond electrode 17 is formed without using the area mask having theopenings disposed for the respective display regions or with use of themask 110 that has the openings 110 a and selectively shields only theterminal part 1C. Therefore, in the bezel region 1B except for theterminal part 1C, it is unnecessary to secure the film formation marginin consideration of misalignment of the position of the mask openings inthe formation of the second electrode 17.

On the other hand, the second electrode 17 extends to the end of thefirst substrate 11, which may cause the second electrode 17 to contactwith the metal exterior frame 24, for example, as with a comparativeexample 2 illustrated in FIG. 9, and thus occurrence of electrical shortcircuit X1 is concerned. This may cause degradation of yield. Incontrast, in the first embodiment, the end 17 e of the second electrode17 is so configured as to be electrically disconnected from the exteriorframe 24 of the display panel 10. Specifically, the end 17 e of thesecond electrode 17 is covered with the end surface protection film 21.Therefore, short circuit X1 as in the comparative example 2 is difficultto occur after the display panel 10 is mounted on the exterior frame 24.Therefore, in the bezel region 1B of the first substrate 11, it ispossible to form the second electrode 17 without securing the filmformation margin in the formation of the second electrode 17, and thusthe bezel region 1B is reduced in size.

As described above, in the first embodiment, in the bezel region 1Bexcept for the terminal part 1C, the second electrode 17 extends to theend e1 of the first substrate 11, which eliminates necessity of securingof the film formation margin in the formation of the second electrode17, and it is accordingly possible to reduce in size of the bezel region1B. Moreover, this causes downsizing and reduction in cost. Further, theend 17 e of the second electrode 17 is covered with the end surfaceprotection film 21, which makes it possible to suppress occurrence ofelectrical short circuit after the display panel 10 is mounted on theexterior frame 24. As a result, it is possible to suppress degradationof yield while reducing the size of the bezel.

Next, other embodiments and modifications of the disclosure aredescribed. In the following description, like numerals are used todesignate substantially like components of the above-described firstembodiment, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 10 illustrates a planar configuration of a display unit accordingto a second embodiment of the disclosure. The display unit may be, forexample, an organic EL display unit similarly to the above-describedfirst embodiment, and may include, for example, a display panel (adisplay panel 10A) including a plurality of pixels (sub-pixels) P thatare arranged in matrix, in the display region 1A on the first substrate11. Moreover, the display unit is configured by bonding the secondsubstrate 20 to the first substrate 11 with the organic EL elements inbetween, and is a top-emission display unit emitting light that haspassed through the second substrate 20. A signal line drive circuit, ascan line drive circuit, a power line drive circuit, and the like thatare used to drive the pixels P are provided in the bezel region 1B ofthe display region 1A. The terminal part 1C is provided on a part of thebezel region 1B.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional structure along IIA-IIA line of thedisplay unit illustrated in FIG. 10. Similar to the display panel 10 inthe above-described first embodiment, also in the display panel 10A, thecircuit layer 12 including TFTs is provided on the first substrate 11,and the surface thereof is covered with the planarizing film 13. Thefirst electrode 14 of the organic EL element is provided on theplanarizing film 13, and the organic insulating film 15, the organiclayer 16, the second electrode 17, and the protection film 18 areprovided in order on the first electrode 14. The seal layer 19A and thefiller layer 19B are provided on the protection film 18, and the secondsubstrate 20 is bonded thereto. In such a structure, the secondelectrode 17 is formed to extend, continuously in a plan view, to theend e1 of the first substrate 11. In addition, the end 17 e of thesecond electrode 17 is so configured as to be electrically disconnectedfrom the exterior frame 24 (not illustrated in FIG. 11).

However, in the second embodiment, a structure having an inverse-taperedshape (an inverse-tapered structure 25) is disposed on a lower layer ofthe second electrode 17. Here, the inverse-tapered structure 25 isdisposed to be adjacent to the lower surface of the second electrode 17.

The second electrode 17 extends, continuously in a plan view, from thedisplay region 1A to the end e1 of the first substrate 11, but iselectrically discontinuous by the inverse-tapered structure 25.Specifically, in the second electrode 17, a part (the display region 1Aside) inside the formation position of the inverse-tapered structure 25is electrically separated from a part outside the formation position ofthe inverse-tapered structure 25.

The inverse-tapered structure 25 is so disposed in the bezel region 1Bas to surround the display region 1A. The inverse-tapered structure 25may be formed of, for example, a photosensitive resin such asphotoresist.

In the second embodiment, after the formation of the inverse-taperedstructure 25, the second electrode 17 is formed in a manner similar tothe above-described first embodiment, namely, without using the areamask 103 as illustrated in FIG. 7. As a result, in the second electrode17, the part inside the inverse-tapered structure 25 and the partoutside the inverse-tapered structure 25 are electrically separated fromeach other. Accordingly, when the end 17 e of the second electrode 17 isin contact with the exterior frame after mounting, it is possible toprevent occurrence of electrical short circuit. Consequently, it ispossible to obtain effects equivalent to those in the above-describedfirst embodiment.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional structure of a display unit according toa third embodiment of the disclosure together with the exterior frame24. The display unit may be, for example, an organic EL display unitsimilarly to the above-described first embodiment, and although notillustrated in particular, the display unit includes a display panel (adisplay panel 10B) that includes a plurality of pixels (sub-pixels) Parranged in matrix, in the display region 1A on the first substrate 11.Moreover, the display unit is configured by bonding the second substrate20 to the first substrate 11 with the organic EL elements (the elementlayer 23) in between, and is a top emission display unit emitting lightthat has passed through the second substrate 20. A signal line drivecircuit, a scan line drive circuit, a power line drive circuit, and thelike that are used to drive the pixels P are provided in the bezelregion 1B of the display region 1A. The terminal part 1C is provided ina part of the bezel region 1B. Also, in the display panel 10B, thesecond electrode 17 of the element layer 23 is formed to extend,continuously in a plan view, to the end e1 of the first substrate 11,similarly to the display panel 10 according to the above-described firstembodiment. Further, the end 17 e of the second electrode 17 is soconfigured as to be electrically disconnected from the exterior frame24.

Incidentally, in the third embodiment, the second electrode 17 isdisposed inside the outermost end of one or both of the first substrate11 and the second substrate 20. Specifically, for example, in a regionexcept for the terminal part 1C, an end e2 (the outermost end) of thesecond substrate 20 is so disposed as to overhang from the end e1 of thefirst substrate 11 by a width d. In the manufacturing process, at thetime of performing scribing and breaking after the first substrate 11and the second substrate 20 are bonded to each other, a scribingposition and a breaking position are set so that the second substrate 20has an outer shape larger than that of the first substrate 11 in theregion except for the terminal part 1C. As a result, the end 17 e of thesecond electrode 17 is disposed inside the outermost end of the displaypanel 10B. Thus, the end e2 of the second substrate 20 is in contactwith the exterior frame 24 after mounting, and the end 17 e of thesecond electrode 17 located inside the end e2 of the second substrate 20is not in contact with the exterior frame 24. Accordingly, it ispossible to prevent occurrence of electrical short circuit.Consequently, it is possible to obtain effects equivalent to those inthe above-described first embodiment.

Modifications

Incidentally, the display panel in which the second electrode 17 isdisposed inside the outermost end of one or both of the first substrate11 and the second substrate 20 is not limited to the display panel 10Baccording to the above-described third embodiment. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D, one or both of the first substrate11 and the second substrate 20 may each have a tapered end surface.Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13D, both an endsurface S1 of the first substrate 11 and an end surface S2 of the secondsubstrate 20 may have a tapered shape. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 13B and FIG. 13C, only the end surface S1 of the first substrate 11may have a tapered shape. Note that the tapered shape as described abovemay be formed by shifting the scribing position and the breakingposition. A distance d1 between the scribing position and the breakingposition may be desirably set to about 10 μm or larger and about 100 μmor lower. For example, the tapered shape illustrated in FIG. 13A may beformed by setting a scribing position Ps and a breaking position Pb asschematically illustrated in FIG. 14.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

The display units described in the above-described embodiments and themodifications are applicable to electronic apparatuses in every fieldthat display externally input picture signal or internally generatedpicture signal as a picture. Examples thereof are described below.

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B each illustrate an appearance of a smartphone 220.The smartphone 220 may include, for example, a display section 221 andan operation section 222 on front side, and a camera 223 on back side,and the display unit according to any of the above-described embodimentsand the like is mounted on the display section 221.

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B each illustrate an appearance of a mobile phone300. The mobile phone may be configured by, for example, coupling anupper housing 310 and a lower housing 320 with a coupling section (ahinge section) 330, and may include a display 340, a sub-display 350, apicture light 360, and a camera 370. The display unit according to anyof the above-described embodiments and the like is mounted on thedisplay 340 or the sub-display 350.

Hereinbefore, although the disclosure has been described with referringto the embodiments and the modifications, the disclosure is not limitedto the above-described embodiments and the like, and variousmodifications may be made. For example, in the above-describedembodiments and the like, the structure in which the terminal part 1C ofthe display panel is provided only in a region corresponding to one sideof the bezel region 1B on the first substrate 11 has been exemplified.Alternatively, the terminal part 1C may be provided in a regioncorresponding to two or more sides of the bezel region 1B.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiments and the like, the casewhere the organic EL display unit is of the top emission type has beendescribed. However, the organic EL display unit is not limited thereto,and the contents of the disclosure may be applicable to, for example, astructure of bottom emission type.

Further, the material and the thickness of each layer described in theabove-described embodiments and the like are not limited to thosedescribed, and other material and other thickness may be employed. Inaddition, the display unit does not necessarily have all of the layersdescribed above, or may include other layers in addition to the layersdescribed above. Further, the effects described in the above-describedembodiments and the like are illustrative and non-limiting. Effectsachieved by the disclosure may be effects other than those describedabove or may further include other effects.

Note that the disclosure may be configured as follows.

(1) A display unit including

a display panel including a display region and a terminal region on afirst substrate, the display region including a plurality of pixels,each of the plurality of pixels including a light emitting element, andthe terminal region including a plurality of terminals at a part of aperipheral region of the display region, wherein

the light emitting element includes a first electrode, an organic layer,and a second electrode that is provided commonly to the plurality ofpixels, in order from the first substrate side, and

the second electrode extends, continuously in a plan view, to an end ofthe first substrate in a region on the first substrate except for theterminal region, and is configured to be electrically disconnected froman exterior member of the display panel.

(2) The display unit according to (1), wherein the second electrode iscovered with an insulating film provided at the end of the firstsubstrate.

(3) The display unit according to (2), wherein

the display panel has a rectangular shape in a plan view,

the terminal region corresponds to one side of the rectangular shape ofthe peripheral region on the first substrate, and

the insulating film is provided at ends of the first substratecorresponding to three sides except for the one side.

(4) The display unit according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

an inverse-tapered structure is provided at a part of the peripheralregion in a lower layer of the second electrode, and

the second electrode is electrically discontinuous by the structurewhile being provided continuously in a plan view.

(5) The display unit according to (4), wherein

the structure is provided in the peripheral region on the firstsubstrate to surround the display region

(6) The display unit according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein

the display panel includes the first substrate and a second substratethat is provided oppositely to the first substrate and seals the lightemitting element, and

the second electrode is disposed inside an outermost end of one or bothof the first substrate and the second substrate.

(7) The display unit according to (6), wherein

one or both of the first substrate and the second substrate each have atapered end surface.

(8) The display unit according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

the second electrode is a transparent conductive film.

(9) The display unit according to any one of (1) to (8), furtherincluding

an organic insulating film as an interlayer insulating film or a pixelseparation film, wherein

the organic insulating film has a separation groove in the peripheralregion, and

the organic insulating film has an end disposed inside the end of thefirst substrate.

(10) A method of manufacturing a display unit, including:

forming a display panel including a display region and a terminalregion, the display region including a plurality of pixels, each of theplurality of pixels including a light emitting element, and the terminalregion including a plurality of terminals at a part of a peripheralregion of the display region; and

forming, as the light emitting element, a first electrode, an organiclayer, and a second electrode on the first substrate, the secondelectrode being common to the plurality of pixels, wherein

the second electrode is formed to extend, continuously in a plan view,to an end of the first substrate in a region on the first substrateexcept for the terminal region, and is formed to be electricallydisconnected from an exterior member of the display panel.

(11) The method according to (10), wherein

the second electrode is formed on the first substrate with use of a filmformation mask including an opening, and

the opening is provided over an entire region on the first substrateexcept for the terminal region.

(12) The method according to (10) or (11), wherein

a plurality of the display regions are formed along one direction on thefirst substrate with use of a film formation mask including one openingfor the plurality of display regions.

(13) The method according to any one of (10) to (12), wherein

the second electrode is covered with an insulating film provided at theend of the first substrate.

(14) The method according to any one of (10) to (13), further including

forming an inverse-tapered structure at a part of the peripheral regionbefore forming the second electrode, wherein

the second electrode is electrically discontinuous while beingcontinuous in a plan view by forming the second electrode on the firstsubstrate with the structure in between.

(15) The method according to any one of (10) to (14), wherein

the display panel includes the first substrate and a second substratethat is provided oppositely to the first substrate and seals the lightemitting element, and

the second electrode is disposed inside an outermost end of one or bothof the first substrate and the second substrate.

(16) The method according to (15), wherein

one or both of the first substrate and the second substrate each have atapered end surface.

(17) The method according to any one of (10) to (16), wherein

the second electrode is a transparent conductive film.

(18) The method according to any one of (10) to (17), further including

forming an organic insulating film as an interlayer insulating film or apixel separation film, the organic insulating film including aseparation groove in the peripheral region, and the organic insulatingfilm including an end located inside the end of the first substrate.

(19) An electronic apparatus provided with a display unit, the displayunit including

a display panel including a display region and a terminal region on afirst substrate, the display region including a plurality of pixels,each of the plurality of pixels including a light emitting element, andthe terminal region being provided at a part of a peripheral region ofthe display region and including a plurality of terminals, wherein

the light emitting element includes a first electrode, an organic layer,and a second electrode in order from the first substrate side, thesecond electrode being provided commonly to the plurality of pixels, and

the second electrode extends, continuously in a plan view, to an end ofthe first substrate in a region on the first substrate except for theterminal region, and is configured to be electrically disconnected froman exterior member of the display panel.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A display unit, comprising: a display panelincluding a display region and a terminal region, the display regionincluding a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixelsincluding a light emitting element, the terminal region including aplurality of terminals at a part of a peripheral region of the displayregion, the light emitting element comprising a first electrode, anorganic layer, and a second electrode on a first substrate, the secondelectrode being common to the plurality of pixels, wherein the secondelectrode is formed to extend, continuously in a plan view, to cover thedisplay region and the second electrode is also formed to extend acrossa bezel region between the display region and an edge portion of thedisplay panel at three sides, and the second electrode is formed to beelectrically disconnected from an exterior member of the display panel.21. The display unit according to claim 20, wherein the second electrodeis covered with an insulating film provided at an end of the firstsubstrate.
 22. The display unit according to claim 21, wherein thedisplay panel has a rectangular shape in a plan view, the terminalregion corresponds to one side of the rectangular shape of theperipheral region on the first substrate, and the insulating film isprovided at ends of the first substrate corresponding to the threesides.
 23. The display unit according to claim 20, wherein aninverse-tapered structure is provided at a part of the peripheral regionin a lower layer of the second electrode, and the second electrode iselectrically discontinuous by the structure while being providedcontinuously in a plan view.
 24. The display unit according to claim 23,wherein the structure is provided in the peripheral region on the firstsubstrate to surround the display region
 25. The display unit accordingto claim 20, wherein the display panel includes the first substrate anda second substrate that is provided oppositely to the first substrateand seals the light emitting element, and the second electrode isdisposed inside an outermost end of one or both of the first substrateand the second substrate.
 26. The display unit according to claim 25,wherein one or both of the first substrate and the second substrate eachhave a tapered end surface.
 27. The display unit according to claim 20,wherein the second electrode is a transparent conductive film.
 28. Thedisplay unit according to claim 20, further comprising an organicinsulating film as an interlayer insulating film or a pixel separationfilm, wherein the organic insulating film has a separation groove in theperipheral region, and the organic insulating film has an end disposedinside the end of the first substrate.